Local author brings global twist to novel

In his recently published novel, The Windfall Chameleon, Camdenton area resident Garry Kemp takes readers through a journey of global intrigue.

Amy Wilson

In his recently published novel, The Windfall Chameleon, Camdenton area resident Garry Kemp takes readers through a journey of global intrigue.

From the oil country of Oklahoma to Britain and the Middle East, Kemp explores the impact of old conflicts on today's world, questioning conventional wisdoms.

The novel of suspense begins with the death of an American oil tycoon — fatefully revealed as an assassination by an F5 tornado that rips through Tulsa as the execution occurs. From there unfolds a story of terrorism and greed intertwined with unexpected romance and friendship.

The action follows Oklahoma police detective Paul Ziplich as he investigates the mysterious murder as well as other characters involved in the twisted web surrounding the assassination.

In a unique plot line, The Windfall Chameleon examines the Irish-Arab connection in the conflicts of the Middle East.

The novel explores many different beliefs as Kemp challenges readers to question what they think they know.

The characters and plot may be fictional but most of the places in the novel do exist.

Drawing on his own travel experiences across four continents, Kemp brings this international tale to life with details of real places.

While he has not been to every spot in the novel, Kemp has traveled to different locales in the U.S., Europe, North Africa and Australia. These experiences generally influence the novel beyond specific details of locations.

The plot develops across many frontiers as it heads towards an explosive conclusion.

A native of London, the retired radio DJ and journalist, as well as amateur actor, says he and wife Sally originally met when she went on a tour to Europe in which he was working as a guide in between radio jobs.

It was Sally, an American, who brought Kemp to the U.S. Engaged three weeks after meeting each other on the tour, they were married about a year later and lived in Britain for a time before moving to Oklahoma to be near Sally's widowed mother.

While living in Tulsa, Kemp says he was likely America's only English country music DJ.

They then lived in New York for a time as Sally finished a doctorate degree. There, Kemp deejayed on both classical and country radio stations.

The couple moved to the Lake of the Ozarks about six years ago after fixing up a family lake cabin to be a year-round residence.

They still love living in the lake area, says Kemp who is active at his church and local theatrical productions. It is home base as they continue to travel. The pair recently returned from a trip to Australia where they visited family.

Since publishing The Windfall Chameleon, Kemp has done book signings in both Tulsa and the lake area. The Berry Best Book Club here at the lake will be discussing his novel at their March 24 meeting.

Find The Windfall Chameleon at local bookstores, including Stonecrest Book & Toy in Osage Beach, or buy it online at Amazon.com.

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